Ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa issues statement explaining why he accepted President Sirisenas invitation to become Prime Minister and form Interim Government

Issuing his first statement after taking oaths as the Prime Minister, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said he would eschew politics of hate and set up an interim government protecting human rights of all citizens.

The full statement issued by Rajapaksa is as follows,

“UNP-UPFA government came to an end as the result of the UPFA leaving the coalition. The responsibility of appointing a new government then fell on the President. I was invited to accept the position of Prime Minister with a view to forming a new government. Today, our country is in a state of uncertainty. Details of a plot to assassinate the President and the former Defence Secretary have come to light. Those involved in this conspiracy are being exposed by their own actions. A wave of crime has hit the country and the criminal underworld is on the rise.

The economy of the country is deteriorating by the day. The value of the Rupee has fallen alarmingly. Our country has been downgraded by the credit rating agencies. The people are oppressed by the ever rising cost of living. The Central Bank bond scam of the UNP government has resulted in a doubling of the interest rate and the ordinary people and businesses alike have been severely affected. In the meantime, the UNP was engaged in a quest to sell off valuable state assets and enterprises to foreign companies.

I was aware that at this moment of national peril, the people expected our leadership and protection. Hence, I accepted the invitation extended to me by the President to assume the position of Prime Minister. We will eschew the politics of hate and set up an interim government that will protect the human rights of all citizens, that will protect the independence of the judiciary and establish law and order in the country. I invite all political parties represented in Parliament to join us in this endeavour. I also invite the people of all communities and religions – Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and the followers of Islam to participate in this very necessary political exercise.”